Preston Smith Email & Phone Number

Philadelphia

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Current research is focused on paleo-geographic analysis of continental basin depositional environments to develop models of basin architecture. This work combines global-scale remote sensing with modern fluvial systems to develop analog facies models and aide in predicting reservoir architecture within basin and fan settings.

Tucson, Arizona Area

Analyzed the provenance of sand samples collected from the Central Andes in northern Argentina to determine the influential factors of the sediment budget of the modern foreland basin. These results will better inform the advanced mapping of/and predicting quality of the petroleum reservoirs. This research is funded under the Convergent Orogenic Systems Analysis project funded by Exxon Mobil.**Currently working to publish results (Sediment Provenance of the Bermejo Mega-fan System within the Central Andean Modern Foreland Basin) by October, 2015.Invited to analyze core samples from Kenya and to assist with field collection in Ethiopia on this international, NSF funded project aimed at paleoenvironmental reconstruction. -> Conducted smear-slide mineral identification on Kenyan core both at the University of Arizona and at the University of Minnesota National Lacustrine Core Facility (LacCore). -> Invited to assistant in the field, collecting and processing cores in the Afar Region, Ethiopia (03/14).

Tucson, Arizona Area

Founding lab technician for start-up team of massive-scale, 10-year physical model aimed at simulating ground water behavior and identifying factors influencing hill-slope erosion in order to better use freshwater and agricultural resources in arid regions. Helped transform, build, and acquire the equipment for optimal operation from ideation to implementation, on time and within budget. Managed 2 undergraduate assistants.-> Designed, constructed, and empirically tested scaled versions of the instruments and equipment for use in the LEO Project.-> Innovated the equipment design for construction of system that produced a repeatable rain pattern while reducing variables.-> Served as liaison between scientists and workshop staff, partnering with in-house manufacturers to fabricate equipment based on specifications needed for research.-> Assistesd fluid mechanic engineers, computer software programmers, and researchers during the development of equipment design prototypes.

In, Ct, & India

Indianapolis Museum of Art (2008-2009)Conservation Intern: Paper, Textile, and ObjectsTreated, cleaned, documented, and researched various European and American design objects. Analyzed materials with X-Ray Fluorescence, fiber identification with polarized optical microscopes, slide preparation, photo documentation, exposure to dying process, museum environment lighting, and anoxic chamber pest eradication treatments.______________________Indiana University Art Museum (2003-2006, 2007-2008)Conservation TechnicianAssisted in the treatment of 35-piece traveling exhibition of painter Thomas Chambers. Developed and organized a catalog system to track the status of paintings and coordinate the curatorial, registration, and conservation departments. Trained PhD student.______________________Lyman Allyn Art Museum (2007)Conservation InternWorked under Gay Myers and Lance Mayer, foremost experts of the field, on treatments of artwork. Examined, reported, and conducted solvent tests on paintings for cleaning, consolidating, and reconstructing.______________________Project: Rock Garden by Nek Chand (2006)Lead Conservation Assistant to Tony Rajer, Art ConservatorSelected to join cultural mission team to evaluate the condition of the largest folk art environment in the world located in India. Resided in country for 1 month as guest of the Nek Chand Foundation. Led and coordinated the efforts of 3-person team of international volunteers to survey almost 1300 sculptures across 40 acres. Invited to return and co-curate folk art exhibition in 2007.______________________Project: Wheeler Murals (2006)Lead Conservation Assistant to Tony RajerCollaborated on 3 month project to clean, treat, and relocate murals painted directly on the plaster wall. The murals weighed 2 tons each, and had to be stabilized with steel reinforced concrete before they were craned out building. Recruited, hired, and supervised 2 university students.

Bachelor Of Science (B.S.), Geoscience

Activities and Societies: Society of Earth Science StudentsIndependent Research: Integrating U-Pb geochronological analysis (ICP-MS).

Ba, Bfa, Art History, Painting

Activities and Societies: Student Government CASI Funding Board , Volunteer Chemistry Tutor, AXΣ